Despite the value placed on persistence in the business world, Tsebo CEO Dr. Chris Jardine believes there is a point where this trait turns into something less commendable—stubbornness. He considers the advice to 'stick to the course' one of the most overrated in business.
Jardine argues that persistence is important, but it is equally important to understand when circumstances have changed. He notes that persistence is too often mistaken for stubbornness. Sometimes the best solution is not to maintain the current course, but to change it.
He learned this lesson through his own experience. Many years ago, he was advised to reduce emotional attachment to what he created or helped develop. However, he ignored this advice repeatedly, holding onto assets or initiatives longer than necessary. He emphasized that this experience was not about finance, but about understanding that every asset, business, or strategy has its season.
Created over decades
Dr. Jardine has spent more than ten years at Tsebo, holding various leadership positions as the business grew and developed. His broader professional background includes roles as Senior Executive Director and Director in information technology, logistics, telecommunications, industry, and financial services.
Experience has also influenced his views on the reasons for some people's success. Previously in his career, Jardine believed that success depended mainly on intellect and hard work. Now he acknowledges that relationships, timing, and a share of luck play a much larger role than most successful people are willing to admit.
There is another side to Jardine that may be less obvious to colleagues: he is an introvert. He explains that he gains energy from quiet moments, reading, and reflection. Although he enjoys socializing and spending time with teams, he recharges through self-reflection.
Dislikes administrative work, loves Archer
Jardine is equally candid about what he is not good at. He admits that he hates administrative work and sometimes struggles with patience. Unfortunately, these qualities are difficult to avoid when running a business.
He realized that both aspects are necessary for effective leadership. Jardine understood that some tasks are related not to what brings pleasure, but to the needs of the organization itself, so he has to make an effort and carry them out.
Reading serves as a way for him to unwind, and his favorite author is Jeffrey Archer. He admires the language and art of storytelling, considering Archer one of the best. The author's books are filled with vivid characters, ambition, failure, and reevaluation, making them endlessly fascinating.
However, beyond the entertainment value, something more attracts him. He has always believed that stories help us understand the world, and Archer possesses an exceptional ability to bring people and situations to life on the pages of a book. If you remove the title of CEO, Jardine doubts that he would deviate significantly from what he enjoys doing now. He suggested that he would still be creating something, perhaps not a business, but by participating in the creation, improvement, or transformation of an organization, because there is a deep satisfaction in bringing an idea into reality.